Country Profile: Moldova

Moldova, located in Eastern Europe northeast of Romania, is a landlocked country characterized by rolling steppe and a moderate climate. The population is approximately 3.5 million, with a majority ethnic Moldovan community. The country has an upper middle-income economy primarily driven by agriculture, but also faces challenges due to emigration and low fertility rates. Moldova operates as a parliamentary republic, with a history shaped by its Soviet past and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Geography

Moldova is situated in Eastern Europe, sharing borders with Romania and Ukraine. The country has a total area of 33,851 square kilometers and features a varied terrain, gradually sloping south towards the Black Sea. The region is defined by its significant agricultural land, which comprises about 74.1% of its territory, while being landlocked and devoid of coastlines.

33,851 sq km: Total area of Moldova.
1,885 km: Total land boundaries with Romania and Ukraine.
74.1% (2023): Percentage of land used for agriculture.
430 m: Highest elevation at Dealul Balanesti.
2 m: Lowest point at the Dniester River.

People and Society

Moldova has an estimated population of 3,578,930 as of 2025, with the majority identifying as Moldovan. The country is characterized by a diverse linguistic landscape, with Moldovan (Romanian) as the official language. The population faces demographic challenges, including an aging society and high emigration rates, which contribute to a declining birth rate.

3.58 million: Estimated population (2025).
14.8%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years.
70.2%: Percentage aged 15-64 years.
70.1 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
1.27: Total fertility rate (children born/woman in 2025).
90.1%: Majority adherence to Orthodox Christianity.

Economy

Moldova's economy is classified as upper middle-income, heavily reliant on agriculture and remittances from Moldovans abroad. The GDP is growing again after a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country is experiencing challenges related to emigration and productivity. The labor market is marked by a low unemployment rate and a significant portion of the labor force engaged in agriculture.

$39.34 billion: Real GDP (PPP) estimate for 2024.
1.5%: Estimated unemployment rate for 2024.
7.1%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).
62.3%: Contribution of services to GDP (2024).
31.1%: Percentage of the population below the poverty line (2022).

Government

Moldova operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature. The current president is Maia Sandu, and the government has undergone several changes since independence in 1991, with ongoing influences from both European and Russian political spheres. The constitution was adopted in 1994 and is subject to amendments via parliamentary processes.

President: Maia Sandu (since December 2020).
Parliament: 101 seats, elected for a 4-year term.
Independence: Achieved on August 27, 1991.
Voting age: 18 years.

Military and Security

Moldova’s military is primarily focused on internal security and defending against external threats, particularly from surrounding regions. The country maintains a neutral stance but has cooperated with NATO and seeks to enhance security partnerships, especially given the lingering tensions from the separatist region of Transnistria.

6,500: Personnel in the Moldovan Armed Forces (2025).
0.6% of GDP: Military expenditures (2024).
12-month: Mandatory military service for males aged 18-27.

Energy

Moldova's energy sector predominantly relies on fossil fuels, with electricity generation primarily sourced from natural gas and coal. The country imports most of its energy, reflecting its dependence on external resources. Access to electricity is universal, and efforts are being made to improve energy efficiency and diversify sources.

100%: Electrification rate (2022).
88%: Percentage of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023).
2.223 billion cubic meters: Natural gas consumption (2023).

Environment

Moldova faces environmental challenges primarily related to agricultural practices, including soil erosion and water pollution. The government participates in various international environmental agreements to address these issues while managing its land resources sustainably.

74.1%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
3.981 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
12.27 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).

Transportation

Moldova has a developing transportation network, including road, rail, and air transport systems. The country operates a small number of airports and has extensive railway systems facilitating both freight and passenger movements.

10: Airports in Moldova (2025).
1,171 km: Total railway length (2014).
75: Ships in the merchant marine (2023).

Communications

Communications infrastructure in Moldova has improved significantly, with a high percentage of internet users and mobile subscriptions. The country boasts various forms of media, including national broadcasts and a growing number of internet services.

80%: Percent of the population using the internet (2023).
3.64 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
847,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,578,930	Estimated for 2025
Area	33,851 sq km	Total area
GDP	$39.34 billion	Real GDP (PPP) estimate for 2024
Unemployment Rate	1.5%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	8.35 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	70.1 years	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption Per Capita	35.686 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Total Fertility Rate	1.27 children/woman	Estimated for 2025
Military Expenditure	0.6% of GDP	Military expenditure for 2024
Literacy Rate	99.3%	Estimated literacy rate (Pitchford's estimate)